Red Green And Gold

Song Meaning

The lyrics to "Red Green And Gold" deliver a pointed critique of contemporary youth, suggesting a profound loss of direction. A watchful "Messiah" observes, implying a spiritual reckoning is at hand. The speaker issues a direct warning, urging a turn away from destructive paths. There's a clear call to unity under a specific, potent banner. A central tension emerges from the speaker's lament for the "youth of today," whose "delight is indefendable" and who "all goin' mad." This stark present is contrasted with a romanticized past where "Man used to live in love." The lyrics frame a moral crossroads, pitting the perceived chaos of the present against a desired spiritual order. The repeated refrain acts as the song's spiritual anchor, directly addressing "my brothers" with a dual command: "Don't do it" and "Follow Babylon teaching." This juxtaposition implies "Babylon teaching" is the very thing to avoid, a corrupting influence. Instead, the path to "Mount Zion" is presented as the true aspiration, a spiritual homeland. The call to "Rally round the Red Green and Gold" serves as a powerful, unifying symbol for this collective spiritual journey. The power of these lyrics lies in their urgent, almost sermon-like delivery. The speaker's deep concern for the younger generation is palpable, amplified by the stark contrast between their current state and a more loving past. The potent spiritual imagery of "Messiah," "Babylon," and "Mount Zion," combined with the insistent call to "Rally round," creates a compelling and emotionally charged plea for moral and spiritual awakening.